The Real Dirt On Hair Washing

Yes, we’re always telling you not to over-wash your hair because it can cause a whole host of problems, from color fading to dryness. BUT…it’s also possible to go too far in the other direction, and compromise both your hair and scalp by not shampooing frequently enough. Scratching your head in confusion? No worries: We’re clearing things up today….

Lather or blather?
The longer you go between washes, the better
✔️ Answer: Blather!
Think about your scalp as an extension of your skin. In much the same way you wouldn’t want days of makeup or sunscreen to build up on your face, sebum and oil (which naturally coat your cuticle and keep hair feeling soft) can gather on your scalp, along with dead, flaky skin. The combo not only makes hair look greasy, but can actually cause scalp itch and odor. Best to ditch that every four-to-five day wash schedule (especially if you exercise, and/or have fine hair); and try to hit the suds every three days instead. The only exception? If your hair is super coarse in texture. (See info, below.)

Lather or blather?
Washing your hair can promote growth
✔️ Answer: Lather!
When you shampoo your hair, you typically massage the scalp – and that action tends to stimulate the roots of the hair, helping to increase blood flow and encourage new growth.

Lather or blather?
Curly hair never needs washing as often
✔️ Answer: Blather!
Every head of hair — and every hair texture — is different. Sure, those with coarse, thick curls often have drier hair than other types (it’s harder for the natural oils to inch their way into all the coils and waves); and may be able to get away with waiting five to six days between washes. But if you have curly hair that’s also fine, you’ll need to shampoo more frequently.

Lather or blather?
You can train your hair to need fewer washings
✔️ Answer: Lather!
“You don’t have to wash your oily hair every day,” says Joico Global Brand Ambassador, Larisa Love. Here’s why: You’re essentially setting up a pattern in which your scalp knows it’s going to be washed, so it produces excess oils. Once you retrain it to respond to a less-frequent cleansing schedule, the problem of greasy hair diminishes. And that’s the point at which you can stretch your washes to every three days or so (max).

Lather or blather?
Washing your hair too infrequently can make it “hurt”
✔️ Answer: Lather!
Scalp pain from dirty hair really is a thing. All those oils accumulate around the hair shaft and can promote an overgrowth of yeast on the scalp. Sometimes, you’ll notice itchiness, redness, or flaking; but many people actually feel an aching sensation (not unlike the kind you get from wearing a tight ponytail).